But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
Here's the thing though, if a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was planning to break in, they'd obviously stay up and keep watch to protect their house.
You can't prepare for what you don't see coming, so stay ready.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, people divided the night into watches for security purposes, as Roman and Jewish customs involved guards monitoring different shifts to prevent intrusions. Jesus was delivering the Olivet Discourse to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, warning about the unpredictability of His second coming and using everyday illustrations like a thief breaking in to convey the need for constant readiness. This verse draws from the common experience of household vulnerability in ancient agrarian societies, where homes were often simple structures easily targeted by thieves.
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